Ryan Ufko is turning heads in the AHL-and not just among fans of the Milwaukee Admirals. The 22-year-old defenseman, a Nashville Predators prospect, is putting together a breakout season that’s hard to ignore. He’s not just holding his own on the blue line-he’s dominating it.
Last week, the AHL announced that Ufko will represent the Admirals at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic in Rockford, Illinois, on February 10 and 11. It’s a well-earned honor for a player who’s been one of the league’s most productive blueliners this season.
Through 35 games, Ufko leads all AHL defensemen in both goals and total points. He’s second in assists, and his offensive output is pacing well ahead of last season’s numbers.
He’s already racked up nine goals and 26 assists for 37 points-a significant jump from the eight goals and 30 points he posted over 72 games last season. If he keeps this up, he’s on track to finish with 19 goals, 58 assists, and 77 points.
That’s elite-level production from the back end.
What’s just as impressive as the stats is the consistency. Since leaving the University of Massachusetts, Ufko has played in 116 straight games for Milwaukee. That kind of durability and dependability is rare, especially for a young player still adjusting to the pro game.
Ufko’s offensive instincts are clearly sharp, but it’s his ability to read the ice and contribute in all situations that’s made him such a standout. He’s quarterbacking the power play, jumping into the rush when the opportunity is there, and still handling his responsibilities in the defensive zone. That well-rounded game is exactly what NHL teams look for in a modern defenseman.
For Nashville, this is a promising development. The Predators have a solid track record of developing defensemen, and Ufko is starting to look like he could be the next name on that list. He’s showing the kind of growth you want to see in a prospect-both statistically and in terms of maturity on the ice.
There’s still plenty of season left, but if Ufko continues on this trajectory, the All-Star nod might just be the first of many milestones in what’s shaping up to be a very promising career.